If you're into guitar playing, chances are you already know about Eric Krasno. My first experience with the skill, soul, and genius of Krasno's playing was when Souliveplayed the main stage at the now defunct 10,00 Lakes Festival in Detroit Lakes, Minn. Kraz is the founder of Soulive (and funky jam outfit Lettuce), and I remember tagging along with my music-head friends who were dead-set on getting up close to see Soulive on the big stage. I hadn't heard too much of the band before then, but I walked away from that afternoon set with a melted face and a new appreciate of what was possible at the intersection of funk, soul, and rock.
Nearly 20 years later, Krasno is entering a different realm in his musical career with the release of his fourth solo album, Always. The complex interweaving of funk, soul, rock, and jazz is still present in Krasno's current work, but the vibe of the record is different, sonically and thematically.
Always explores themes of family love and signals the artist has a different purpose at this point in his career. "Before 2020, I was having a good time, but I wasn't grounded at all," he explains. "I was going from gig to gig. I was always running around without a purpose. During the last year, I found my people in terms of my wife and son. I've created a family who will always be there for me. That's what the album is about."
You might not get your face melted while listening to Always, but you will hear a musical genius at the top of his craft. Combining virtuoso playing with warm, vibey atmosphere throughout the album, and tracks that explore the depths of love, trust, legacy, and loyalty, Eric Krasno's Always is KAXE/KBXE's Album of the Week.
